A Few Bridals...

A few people expressed the desire to see a few of my bridal photos. Here they are!

Shower of all Showers...

Do you see those mini wedding cakes above? SO CUTE! They even had their very own individual wedding ring attached!

I'm pretty much just the luckiest girl ever. My sister Jody flew into town to throw me the best bridal shower imaginable. There were so many who came to support me and I felt so loved. Two of my sister-in-laws also drove down from Washington for the big event. It was incredible. They went all out and made the day so memorable.

My mom and sister Jody (the mastermind behind it all)


Fun gift boxes for all who attended








One of my best friends Rebekah and her sweet Grace


Callie (a dear friend who drove all the way from Idaho) and Kari (my roommate)


Tami Lewis (cousin) and Aunt Nedra... they came all the way from Monticello


They made me wear the bride sash and veil. I felt silly at first, but it was really rather fun


Opening up gifts... I got many scandalous ones, which was SO much fun!






Scott's mom and many of his sisters and sisters-in-law came


My cousin Trisdan, who I haven't seen in years... what a great surprise!


Cousin Ashley and Aunt Donna


Great friend Kim Winterton

"Jessie's Man"

Scott has been in town for the last week or so and has made a few guest appearances in my classroom. (aka: J-Town) The kids were SO excited to meet him, but I think the secretaries were even more thrilled. Just about every time I walk through the front office, one of the secretaries asks me how "my man" is. I am pretty sure they don't know his real name...

The lead secretary thought she would pull a funny and create Scott his very own visitor tag. (Look at the picture closely...)
He wore it all day! What a good sport.

My Doctor Scott

Last weekend Scott had a big "white coat" ceremony where he received his official white coat labeling him as a doctor. He still has a ways to go to complete his schooling, but the white coat is symbolic of his training and his soon to be doctor status. It was quite the event. It was much like graduation, where each person got called to the stage, but rather than receiving a diploma, they received their white coat. It was really rather cool. I am so proud of Scott and his hard work. I already called him Dr. Scott prior to this ceremony, but now it's official!

I know this picture is a little blurry, but here is Scott walking in the procession of students at the beginning of the ceremony.


After Scott received his white coat and had returned to his seat, I was trying to take a picture and he turned at just the right moment. Good chap.

Still Racing...

I recently started a new exercise program called "Insanity" and let me tell you, it is truly insane! The best part is...

I love every minute of it!

I am dripping sweat by the time the warm up is over but...

I love every minute of it!

It works me at an intensity level that I have never been worked before and...

I love every minute of it!!!

I wanted to start the program months ago, but figured I couldn't properly train for a race (in regards to getting miles in) and do this program at the same time, so I figured I better wait until my race was over. Here are some photos from the race. I did the Utah Marathon Relay, where each team has five runners that run approximatly 5.2 miles each to complete a full marathon. I was really pleased with the results and I had a great time as always. This is my fifth year in a row to run this particular race!

Our team took seventh overall and second out of all of the co-ed teams. However, the co-ed team that beat us only had one girl on their team, which in my mind doesn't truly qualify for a co-ed team. It doesn't sound like I am making up excuses does it?

The starting line...


Waiting to cheer Tanner (runner one) one. I was the next runner, can you tell by the look on my face?


Waiting in the chute to get the official hand off from Tanner. I thought the sun made for a very aesthetic photo!


When I saw this picture, I couldn't figure out what in the world I was doing. Apparently I was stretching...


After the race... Yeah for being done!


Here is an intro to my team. Runner One, Tanner Beckstrand


Runner Two: Me!


Runner 3: Barry Beckstrand (the principal at my school)


Runner Four: My roommate Kari Newman


Runner Five: Jake Rees


What a great race! Now for a little insanity!

Saying Hello and Goodbye

Living long distance from your fiance is not ideal and is certainly NOT fun. There are certain days that I deal with it in a dignified manner and there are other days that I miss him so much I can't help but break down and cry.

I know... I probably sound pathetic.

Scott is living in Henderson Nevada right now and I am still up in Pleasant Grove. I get to see his face on skype every night, which helps, but it's just not the same as having him there in person.

When I get to see him after a long drought, the reunion is always wonderful and everything is once again right with the world. However, as good as the "hello reunions" are, the goodbyes are perfectly dreadful...

I went to St. George and Las Vegas this last weekend and it was wonderful, but the time I got to see Scott was a measly 24 hours and it just wasn't enough. Plus, every time I have to say goodbye, the goodbye's just get more difficult. I am not one to hide my emotion well and I couldn't help but have my eyes get all teary as I had to say goodbye... again...

Every goodbye gets harder.

And harder.

Did I mention that the goodbyes get harder?

I did? Okay. Just wanted to make sure you understood.

I can't wait until I no longer have to say goodbye.

The trip was fantastic, regardless of the fact that it ended with another goodbye. My friends and I stopped in St. George Friday night and saw the Little Mermaid at Tuacahn near St. George. I had a good time, but I always feel bad when I get to go out and do fun things when I know Scott is at home, studying his little heart out. He works so hard and I'm so proud of him.





Saturday morning we headed to Las Vegas, where Scott got to take a break from his books and study groups and join us on a boat at Lake Las Vegas. Wow, what a fun time!! The heat and the water combo was just perfect. Plus, Lake Las Vegas is where Scott proposed!













I got to spend the rest of the evening with Scott. We took care of some wedding plans and we saw the movie "The Help" since the two of us both read the book this summer. The weekend was wonderful and at least this goodbye is only for a week since I get to see him again this coming weekend.

This kind of think strengthens your character right? I know that sounds super cheesy, but I'm trying to look at the bright side of things...

I'm shouting from the treetops...

In my past relationships, many people felt the need to ask me if I was engaged... all the time... They would ask me this on a regular basis... weekly even. They would even ask if I had only been dating this person for a few weeks...

Did these said people really think that I wouldn't tell them if I had gotten engaged? Did they think I was going to try to hide it from them? Try to keep it a secret?

I think not.

I told them in a joking manner (yet with major serious undertones) that when the blessed day came in which I found the right person to marry, I would be shouting the good news from the treetops.

They wouldn't have to ask to find out... I would definitely make sure they knew. No secrets.

Well folks, I am officially shouting from the treetops (figuratively speaking of course)...

This last weekend, Scott Allen asked me to marry him and I said yes!

I didn't know one person could experience such happiness. Scott was well worth the wait.. Scott is one of the most amazing people I know. First off, he is super skillful. He's got whistling skills, bow hunting skills, tie making skills...

But beyond his incredible skillset, he is loving, kind, a super hard worker, goal oriented, a family man and let's not forget the most important thing... he loves me as much as I love him. December 20th is the big day and I couldn't be more thrilled.

So in case any of you thought I might be keeping such news a secret, I am letting the cat out of the bag. I'm engaged!